FLUSHING -- The New York Mets today announced the launch of TeamMets, a community volunteerism initiative that uses the appeal of the Mets and their players to encourage fans to join the team in helping others. Through the participation of Mets Ownership, players, front office and staff, the team will collectively - and individually - participate in community volunteerism tied to the TeamMets platform. In addition, the Mets will produce a series of public service announcements that will air in Mets broadcasts on SNY, CW11, SportsRadio66 WFAN, and WADO 1280.

The Mets are launching the first phase of this multimillion dollar effort in conjunction with the Mayor's Volunteer Center of New York City to inspire fans to lend a hand to community-based organizations. Additional partner organizations in New Jersey and Connecticut will be announced in the weeks ahead. Today's announcement follows National Volunteer Week, which concluded yesterday. The Mets are the first professional sports team in New York to commit the resources of its players, front office, staff, and accompanying television, radio, online, print and in-park assets toward one singular community effort tied to volunteerism.

"Our profile in the community and our expanding outreach into it provide new ways for our fans to join us in making a difference in people's lives," said Jeff Wilpon, COO, New York Mets. "We hope the launch of TeamMets in conjunction with the Mayor's Volunteer Center of New York City will bring attention to how people can help out any number of great causes in whatever way they so choose."

"The Mets are a team that has always fully embraced their hometown," said Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York. "They play their hearts out for us on the field and off the field they have been All-Stars too, contributing their time and talents to so many charity and community-building events that enhance our City. They are great role models and who better to inspire volunteerism than our very own Volunteer Center and our Amazin' Mets."

The Mayor's Volunteer Center of New York City, a program of the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit, brings together individuals, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to connect people and facilitate meaningful volunteer opportunities that improve the quality of life in New York City. Its goal is to make every New Yorker a volunteer. Throughout the year, the Mayor's Volunteer Center promotes and organizes thousands of volunteer opportunities in partnership with community organizations and nonprofits in all five boroughs.

The Mayor's Volunteer Center of New York has access to more than 700 non-profit organizations. Those interested can log onto mets.com/teammets, www.nyc.gov/volunteer, or dial the City's 212-NEW-YORK (311) Call Center for information on how to register to become a volunteer.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.